Previews

New Sony Gear on the Way – Nex-3n, SEL20F28, and SELP18200 Lenses!!

New Sony gear on the way to the lab, including the Sony Nex-3n, the Sony 20mm f/2.8 Lens(sel20f28), and the 18-200mm Powerzoom lens (selp18200)!! I’m really looking forward to trying out the18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 PZ OSS lens in particular, because it has multiple zoom speed options, and the optical design looks like it’s based on the original SEL18200, as apposed to the newer, smaller form factor, tamron clone SEL18200LE. This is good for optical quality, although it makes the lens a bit larger in diameter. It looks like a killer lens for cinematographers on a budget, or amateurs looking to take their video work to the next level. 11x Zoom is also pretty attractive!

The Nex-3n also looks like a lot of fun being the smallest and lightest Nex camera ever made to date. It has a few features that make it stand out in particular, like the built in flash, the 180 degree flip screen, ISO 100-16000, and huge 16mp APS-C sized sensor!! The price is also very attractive at $498 retail, and with current rebates, only $448 @ BHPhoto >>

This style camera is perfect for self recordings and portraits with the 180 flip screen and should appeal to those looking for the smallest and lightest E-mount camera option.

For only a little bit more money than the Nex-3n, you could get the Nex-5r?? Is it worth the extra cash??

The Sony Nex-5r that I recently reviewed (Click Here), has a very similar 180 degree flip screen design, but it’s a higher quality camera all around and costs a bit more @ $498 (body Only). The Nex-5r has the newer sensor technology with built in PDAF which is far superior than the contrast detection only AF found in the Nex-3n. It also has a higher res lcd screen, more ergonomic body design, tri-nav like controls, and no built in flash.

Sony Nex-3n

Sony Nex-3n Features

Full HD 1080/60i/24p or 1080/30p MP4 movies: Record stunning high quality Full HD video4 in either 60i or 24p frames per second. Records in your choice of 60i/24p Blu-Ray quality AVCHD format, or in PC-friendly 1080/30p MP4 format.

Built-in flash built into compact body: Perfect when an extra burst of light is needed to get the shot, the built-in Guide Number 6 flash combines with high ISO sensitivity to enable shooting in just about any setting.

Up to ISO 16000 sensitivity: With a new Exmor sensor that features the same adaptive noise reduction technology from Sony’s flagship SLT-A99V, the NEX-3N easily offers a wide range of sensitivity from ISO 100 to ISO 16000.

Newly designed anti-slip grip: Perfect for self-portraits or casual snaps, the natural form ensures quick, comfortable handling and makes the camera easy to carry around. In addition, the textured grip prevents slipping even when shooting one-handed or when using exceptionally large lenses.

Picture Effect modes: The NEX-3N includes 15 effects that can be applied to photos or movies, giving you the means to vastly expand your artistic repertoire. The ability to view effects in real-time on the LCD screen before the shot lets you experiment with different looks until you are satisfied with the result.

Photo Creativity feature: NEX-3N provides easy access to most Picture Effect settings as well as controls for Background Defocus, Brightness, Color and Vividness. Just activate Photo Creativity, choose the appropriate item then adjust while viewing in real-time on the LCD screen.

Superior Auto mode: Use Superior Auto mode to shoot photos and movies with the ease of a compact digital camera. In this mode, the camera recognizes the current shooting environment then adjusts settings for optimal results.

Anti-Motion Blur mode: Corrects for subject movement to capture amazingly clean and sharp images in low light. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six creates a single image that minimizes subject blur.

Hand-held Twilight Mode: Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures beyond the capability of traditional cameras without using flash or a tripod. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second.

Face Detection/Smile Shutter: Set NEX-3N to recognize faces and smiles. Face Detection locates up to eight faces in a composition then adjusts exposure, white balance and other settings based on these faces. Smile Shutter – adjustable in three levels – automatically takes a shot when smiles in the scene are at their brightest.

Creative Style: Tailor the look of photos and movies before shooting. Choose from one of six settings – Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset or Black & White – depending on the scene or your creative intent.

Speed Priority Continuous mode: Freeze fast-moving subjects by shooting at up to 4 fps. This is the ideal solution for photographing sports, children at play or other action.

Up to 480 Shots of battery life: Take up to 480 shots on a single charge with Sony lithium ion Stamina battery power. Sony’s InfoLITHIUM battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

The SELP18200 incorporates a newly developed internal linear motor that achieves an exceptionally smooth and quiet focus operation. The result is an almost noiseless, smooth highspeed focusing operation that is essential for high-quality movie capture.

In addition to variable speed zoom the SELP18200 supports constant speed zooming for slow, smooth zoom effects that can enhance cinematographic expression but are difficult to achieve manually. Zoom can be controlled directly from camcorders that feature built-in zoom levers, as well as from the built-in zoom lever on the lens. Since power for the internal zoom drive mechanism is supplied by the camera, no additional battery is required.

Optical image stabilizations (Optical SteadyShot) allows for sharp images to be shot using shutter speeds as much as 4 stops slower than would normally be possible when shooting handheld. Advantageous for general photography, but is particularly effective when combined with the Anti Motion Blur and Hand-held Twilight modes provided in the NEX-series Handycam camcorders, and it makes difficult indoor shots that retain the mood of the ambient lighting possible without the need to increase ISO sensitivity, delivering top-quality images with minimal noise.

This high-quality lens design features 5 aspheric surfaces and unreserved application of advanced technology developed for the Alpha-series E-mount lenses in order to deliver images of superlative clarity and presence. This compact lens affords first-class contrast and sharpness from the image center right out to the edges.

The SELP18200 incorporates the same type of circular aperture that is a popular feature in other Alpha E-mount lenses. This 7-blade aperture is designed to maintain a circular shape from maximum aperture to two stops down, yielding smooth, natural defocusing with a beautiful circular rendering of point light sources.

The exterior of the lens barrel is made of aluminum alloy for elegant, high-quality appearance and feel that ideally balance the unit’s compact dimensions. Metal construction also provides maximum durability in combination with the metal lens mount.

20mm F/2.8 Pancake – SEL20F28

The new wide angle 20mm f/2.8 lens (SEL20F28) is a true “Pancake” measuring a very slim ~20mm thickness!! That is about the same as the other 16mm pancake lens thickness (SEL16F28) for reference. It features a fast f/2.8 aperture which on par with the Sigma 19mm lens, for direct competition. Is it really competition though?

Price differences aside, the Sony 20mm pancake has significantly better outer build quality, than the Sigma 19mmm with it’s aluminum alloy skin. Specs wise it’s hard to say how good the lens will be until I actually use it. Glass quality, coatings ect…

Sigma 19mm E-Mount Lens VS New 20mm lens – Side by Side

Sel20f28 Specs

Focal Length

20mm

Aperture

Max: f/2.8
Min: f/22

Focal Length (35mm equivalent)

30mm

Filter Diameter

49mm

Lens Groups-Elements

6 groups, 6 elements

AF for Movie Capture

Yes

Minimum Focus Distance

7.8″ (0.2m)

Aperture Blade

7 blades (Circular aperture)

Aspheric Elements

3 aspheric surface

Direct Manual Focus

Yes

Exterior Finish

Metal

Focus Ring in AF Mode

No rotation

Internal Motor

Yes (Stepping motor)

Low Noise During Movie Capture

Excellent

Maximum Magnification

0.12x (APS-C)

Mount Material

Metal

Non-rotating Focusing Ring

No rotation

Dimensions (Diameter x Length)

2.5 x 0.8″ (62.6 x 20.4mm)

Weight

2.4 oz (69g)

Features

Sony Alpha E-mount 20mm F2.8 Lens is characterized by three aspherical lens elements which correct distortions and aberrations. In particular, image quality in peripheral areas has been dramatically improved compared to previous lenses. The high resolution and excellent contrast assures richly detailed images free of distortion, making the lens an outstanding choice for a wide range of subjects such as casual snapshots to majestic landscapes.

Compact length
Measuring a mere 13/16 inches (20.4mm) the lens is 2mm shorter than the SEL16F28

High Quality Exterior
The aluminum alloy lens barrel is inlaid into a molded-plastic component for a lightweight yet durable construction and features beautiful laser engraving of the product name and focal length for a stylish finish. The control ring allows for easy operation while the lens exudes a stylish appeal.

Circular Aperture
The SEL20F28 features seven aperture blades that form a near circle. This result in a pleasing defocused circular effect on the background of your image when the aperture is set wide open. The same type of internal stepping motor used for the focus drive is used for aperture actuation as well, that result in a smooth, low-noise aperture operation ideally suited to movie shooting.

Handy Focal Length
With a 20mm focal length (35mm equivalent 30mm) and a bright maximum aperture of F2.8, the SEL20F28 is ideal for a variety of subjects from landscapes, interiors to casual snapshots.

Closing Remarks

I should get all this gear soon, so stay tuned for some sample photos and video!! I also have to finish up the Rokinon 14mm wide-angle lens review and the family is going on Vacation next week!! Oh Yeah 🙂

I’ll catch up with you all later and please have a great weekend and take some photos!!!

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